Sciatic Nerve Pain Following a Car Accident

Sciatic nerve generally occurs in combination with or as a result of a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis). These conditions compress part of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve may become inflamed, and you may suffer pain and often some numbness in one of your legs as a result of this condition.

Not everyone that suffers sciatic pain must undergo surgery. Sciatic nerve pain can be debilitating, but for most people, non-surgical treatment resolves the pain within a few weeks of onset.

What are the typical symptoms associated with sciatic nerve pain following a car accident?

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. You might feel the discomfort almost anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it's especially likely to follow a path from your low back to your buttock and the back of your thigh and calf.

The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain. Sometimes it can feel like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms. Usually only one side of your body is affected.

Some people also have numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. You might have pain in one part of your leg and numbness in another part.

When should you consult with a doctor about pain that you believe is caused by sciatic nerve damage?

Call your doctor if self-care measures fail to ease your symptoms or if your pain lasts longer than a week, is severe or becomes progressively worse. Get immediate medical care if:

• You have sudden, severe pain in your low back or leg and numbness or muscle weakness in your leg
• The nerve pain follows a violent injury, such as a traffic accident
• You have trouble controlling your bowels or bladder